Tuesday, March 3, 2009

No, we're not being hauled in by the patrol!ReNee is the Highway Patrol Driver Tester.ReNee, Sandy and I worked together YEARS ago at the News-Journal.Sandy still does. Flying isn't really work, so I guess I don't work at all.It was great to get together for lunch!

Lance headed back to Michigan... after vacation in Mexico.Such a shock to return to the cold and snow, and back to work.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Battery will not hold a charge any more. Can we salvage the flashlight?Remove 4 screws & cover.See that yellow battery? Pry off the hot melt glue and gently prythe soldered contacts on top and bottom of battery, with mighty Swiss Army knife.The metal contact stays attachedto the circuit board, and gets bent somewhat. That's desirable.CR 2032 battery, for you nerds,is the same as the cmos battery in computers. Available anywhere for a few bucks.Substituted CR 2016, just3 volts instead of 3.6 volts. (Remember, this is an experiment! I didn't open my computercase to salvage a 2032)This is foam rubber paddingto put pressure on the battery and the flashlight cover. In the final iteration,I will use hot melt glue to secure it all together and remove the padding.Eureka! it works on 3 volts,not full power, because it's a used battery to begin with.So, crank the handle, and it gets very bright. Doesn't stay brightunless I crank it. But at least it ain't in the trash bin!